An efficient approach for enhancing the catalytic activity of Ni-MOF-74 via a relay catalyst system for the selective oxidation of benzylic C-H bonds under mild conditions

Although nickel-based materials exhibit similar catalytic activity to palladium in organic synthesis, the selective oxidation of inert C-H bonds in the absence of other co-catalysts remains a largely unsolved challenge. This paper introduces a facile and efficient approach for enhancing the catalytic activity of Ni-MOF-74 with [ bmim] Br via a relay catalysis strategy, which is excellent for the selective oxidation of benzylic C-H bonds. Notably, the catalyst recycling and scale up experiments demonstrated the practicability of the protocol. This method combines the catalytic advantages of MOFs and ionic liquids ( ILs), and provides an insight into oxidation reactions by cheap and efficient Ni-based catalysts.